没食子提取物对IgA肾病大鼠IL-6水平的干预

目的观察没食子提取物(turkish galls extract,TGE)对IgA肾病(IgA nephropathy,IgAN)大鼠血清及肾组织中IL-6水平的影响。方法将100只SD大鼠随机分为:正常对照组,IgAN未干预组,TGE高、中、低剂量组,每组各20只。TGE高、中、低剂量组分别予以TGE 300 mg/kg、150 mg/kg、75 mg/kg灌胃4周,正常对照组及IgAN未干预组予以等量生理盐水。应用全自动生化分析仪测定血肌酐(Scr)、尿素氮(BUN)含量;酶标仪法(ELISA)测定血清IL-6的水平;免疫组化法测定肾组织中IL-6的表达;免疫荧光法测定肾小球IgA沉积强度,并观察肾组织病理改变。结果高、中剂量组间的Scr差异无统计学意义(P0.05),但低剂量组水平降低(P0.05);中剂量组血清IL-6水平下降最显著,差异有统计学意义(P均0.05);高剂量组肾组织中IL-6的表达及IgA沉积强度均较IgAN未干预组减弱。结论 TGE能降低IgAN大鼠血清及肾组织中IL-6的表达水平,减弱肾组织IgA免疫荧光表达强度,具有保护肾脏作用。     

白花丹素减轻免疫球蛋白A肾病大鼠肾损伤的作用及机制

目的探究白花丹素(PLB)对免疫球蛋白A肾病(IgAN)大鼠肾脏损伤的缓解作用及其相关的机制。方法牛血清白蛋白+脂多糖+四氯化碳法建立IgAN大鼠模型,并通过灌胃给予PLB(50,100和200 mg·kg-1)处理。收集尿液检测蛋白尿,取心尖血检测血清肌酸酐(SCr)和尿素氮(BUN)。HE染色观察病理变化,TUNEL染色检测细胞凋亡;专用试剂盒检测肾组织部位氧化应激水平。另设N-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)200 mg·kg-1组,Western印迹和ELISA同步检测肾组织IL-18和IL-1β及其前体表达水平,Western印迹法检测肾组织NOD样受体热蛋白结构域3(NLRP3)、接头蛋白凋亡相关点状蛋白(ASC)和胱天蛋白酶1蛋白表达水平。结果与正常对照组比较,模型组肾组织尿蛋白、SCr、BUN浓度,细胞凋亡率和氧化应激水平升高,PLB(50、100和200 mg·kg-1)处理可显著降低肾组织尿蛋白、SCr、BUN含量,降低细胞凋亡及氧化应激水平。同时,NAC 200 mg·kg-1处理可显著降低氧化应激水平,降低IL-18和IL-1β及其前体蛋白表达,降低NLRP3/ASC/胱天蛋白酶1的蛋白表达;与200 mg·kg-1PLB处理有着一致的调控作用。结论 PLB可通过调控ROS抑制NLRP3激活,减轻IgAN大鼠肾脏损伤。     

薯蓣皂苷对糖尿病肾病大鼠TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α 通路及肾间质淋巴细胞浸润的影响

目的：探究薯蓣皂苷对糖尿病肾病（DN）大鼠TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α通路及肾间质淋巴细胞浸润的影响。方法：通过喂养高脂高糖饲料8周后腹腔注射60 mg/kg链脲佐菌素的方法，建立DN大鼠模型，随机分为模型组、薯蓣皂苷低（10 mg/kg）、中（20 mg/kg）、高（40 mg/kg）剂量组、二甲双胍（140 mg/kg）组，每组12只大鼠，另取12只SD大鼠使用普通饲料喂养8周后腹腔注射等量生理盐水，设为对照组。经药物分组处理后，测定大鼠血糖、24 h尿蛋白含量和肾功能指标[血清肌酐（Scr）、血尿素氮（BUN）]水平；HE染色检测大鼠肾组织病理改变；免疫组织化学染色检测大鼠肾组织间质中浸润的LFA-1阳性细胞比例；ELISA检测大鼠血清炎症因子（TNF-α、IL-8）水平；Western blot检测大鼠肾组织TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α通路相关蛋白表达。结果：与对照组相比，模型组大鼠肾组织充血、水肿，肾小球皱缩严重，系膜基质增生，间质可见明显炎症淋巴细胞浸润，显示明显病理损伤，血糖、24 h尿蛋白含量、Scr、BUN、TNF-α及IL-8水平、LFA-1阳性细胞比例、肾...     

淫羊藿苷对糖尿病肾病大鼠肾功能的保护作用及相关机制

目的研究淫羊藿苷对糖尿病肾病大鼠肾功能的保护,并初步分析其作用机制。方法随机将40只SD大鼠分为正常组(Normal)、模型组(DN)、阳性对照组(厄贝沙坦IRB:25 mg/kg)、ICA(淫羊藿苷:100 mg/kg)组,每组10只,采用高糖高脂饮食加腹腔注射链脲霉素构建糖尿病肾病(DN)模型,检测肾功能指标:尿白蛋白(UAER)、血肌酐(Scr)、血尿素氮(BUN)。通过HE染色观察大鼠肾组织病理学形态变化;ELISA检测大鼠血清中IL-1β、IL-6、MCP-1和肾组织中SOD、GSH-px和MDA含量;免疫组化检测大鼠肾组织中Caspase-3的表达;Western blot检测大鼠肾组织TGF-β、VEGF、p-p65的表达。结果与Normal组相比,DN组大鼠UAER、Scr、BUN、MDA、IL-1β、IL-6、MCP-1、Caspase-3、TGF-β、VEGF、p-p65表达显著上升,SOD、GSH-px表达显著下降(P0.05);给予ICA处理后,大鼠UAER、Scr、BUN、MDA、IL-1β、IL-6、MCP-1、Caspase-3、TGF-β、VEGF、p-p65表达显著下降,SOD及GSH-px表达显著上升(P0.05)。结论淫羊藿苷对糖尿病肾病大鼠肾功能有一定的保护作用,可能减轻大鼠炎症反应、氧化应激水平,减少细胞外基质的增生并抑制肾组织细胞的凋亡,从而减少肾组织的损伤。     

栀子苷通过调节NLRP3减轻IgA肾病模型小鼠炎症反应和氧化应激

目的探讨栀子苷(geniposide,GPO)对免疫球蛋白A肾病(immunoglobulin A nephropathy,IgAN)的作用及机制。方法将C57BL 6雌性小鼠随机分为对照(Control)组、IgA肾病(IgAN)组、栀子苷低、中、高剂量(GPO 25、50、100 mg)组、阳性药物对照组(Losartan 80 mg)组,每组20只。将NLRP3 KO小鼠随机分为NLRP3敲除小鼠IgA肾病(NLRP3 KO IgAN)组、NLRP3敲除小鼠IgA肾病给药(NLRP3 KO IgAN+GPO 100 mg)组,每组20只。通过施用牛血清白蛋白(bovine serum albumin,BSA)、脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide,LPS)和四氯化碳(carbon tetrachloride,CCl_4)建立小鼠IgAN模型,采用灌胃给药,连续4周。通过全自动生化分析仪检测尿液中尿蛋白、血液中尿素氮(blood urea nitrogen,BUN)、血清肌酐(serum creatinine,Src);ELISA检测肾组织中IgA、白介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)和IL-18的水平;HE染色观察病理变化;蛋白印迹检测肾组织中NLRP3表达;试剂盒检测肾组织中SOD和MDA含量。结果 GPO呈剂量依赖性降低IgAN小鼠24 h尿蛋白(P0.05,P0.01),降低IgAN小鼠血液中BUN和Src(P0.05,P0.01),减少IgAN小鼠肾组织中IgA沉积(P0.05,P0.01),缓解IgAN小鼠肾小球系膜扩张和炎性细胞的浸润,减轻IgAN小鼠肾组织炎症反应和氧化应激(P0.05,P0.01),减少IgAN小鼠肾组织中NLPR3蛋白表达(P0.05,P0.01);敲除NLPR3与给药GPO 100 mg对IgAN小鼠具有类似作用,而GPO对敲除NLPR3的NLPR3 KO小鼠并无作用。结论GPO通过调节NLRP3来减轻IgAN模型小鼠炎症反应和氧化应激。     

五味子甲素通过抑制 NLRP3 炎症小体活化减轻失血性休克大鼠的肾脏损伤

目的:探讨五味子甲素对失血性休克大鼠肾脏损伤的作用及作用机制。方法:复制失血性休克大鼠模型并给予不同浓度五味子甲素。试剂盒检测血清血肌酐(Scr)、血尿氮(BUN)含量及线粒体中琥珀酸脱氢酶(SDH)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性。qRT-PCR检测炎症因子的mRNA水平,Western blot检测NLRP3炎症小体活化的标记因子的表达。结果:五味子甲素(40 mg/kg,80 mg/kg)能显著降低血清BUN和Scr的含量;同时,五味子甲素(80mg/kg)能明显升高线粒体中SDH、SOD和GSH-Px的活性,降低IL-1β和TNF-α的mRNA和蛋白表达水平;此外,五味子甲素还可明显抑制NLRP3炎症小体活化的标记因子Caspase-1的表达。结论:五味子甲素可通过抑制NLRP3炎症小体活化减轻失血性休克大鼠肾损伤。     

基于NLRP3 炎性小体通路探讨金樱子乙醇提取物对系膜增生性肾小球肾炎大鼠的保护作用

目的:探究金樱子乙醇提取物(RLM)对系膜增生性肾小球肾炎(MsPGN)大鼠的保护作用,并初步探究其作用机制。方法:将SD大鼠分为假手术组(Sham),MsPGN组,金樱子乙醇提取物低、中、高剂量组(RLM-L、RLM-M、RLM-H),阳性对照组(醋酸泼尼松组,Prednisone acetate),每组12只大鼠,给药4周后收集24 h蛋白尿液处死大鼠,观察各组大鼠体重变化情况,检测血清肾功能相关指标肌酐(Scr)、尿素氮(BUN)等;HE染色检测肾组织病理形态学变化;蛋白免疫印迹法(WB)、免疫组化法检测肾组织中NLRP3、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)、半胱天冬酶(caspase-1)表达;ELISA法检测肾组织匀浆中IL-1β和IL-18表达。结果:与Sham组相比,MsPGN组大鼠体重降低,24 h尿蛋白、BUN、Scr水平升高,TP、ALB水平降低,肾组织损伤评分升高,肾组织中NLRP3、ASC和caspase-1蛋白表达升高,组织匀浆中IL-1β、IL-18水平升高(P0.05);与MsPGN组相比,RLM-L、RLM-M、RLM-H、Prednisone acetate组大鼠体重升高,24 h尿蛋白、BUN、Scr降低,TP、ALB水平升高,肾组织损伤评分降低,肾组织中NLRP3、ASC、caspase-1蛋白表达降低,组织匀浆中IL-1β、IL-18水平降低(P0.05)。结论:RLM对MsPGN大鼠肾脏损伤具有保护作用,这种作用可能通过抑制NLRP3炎性小体通路,进而抑制通路介导的促炎性因子IL-1β和IL-18的表达,最终缓解肾损伤。     

阿托伐他汀抑制NLRP3炎性小体缓解实验性IgA肾病大鼠肾损伤

目的 观察阿托伐他汀对IgA肾病大鼠的肾保护作用,探讨其介导NLRP3炎性小体的作用机制.方法 Sd大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、阿托伐他汀低、高剂量组,每组10只;利用口服牛γ-球蛋白(BGG)联合尾静脉注射BGG方法建立IgA肾病大鼠模型;于造模完成后灌胃给予低、高剂量阿托伐他汀治疗6周;取血液分离血清检测肌酐(Scr)、尿素氮(BUN)、总蛋白(TP)、白蛋白丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)含量;检测大鼠尿液中红细胞数目及24 h尿蛋白(24 h TUP)水平;HE染色检测肾病理组织学变化;免疫荧光染色检测肾组织中IgA沉积情况;Western blot检测肾组织中IL-1、Caspase-l及NLRP3的表达.结果 阿托伐他汀显著降低血清中Scr、BUN及尿液中红细胞数目、24hTUP含量;改善IgA的过度沉积和病理损伤,同时阿托伐他汀抑制了IL-1、Caspase-1及NLRP3蛋白的表达(P＜0.05).结论 阿托伐他汀改善IgA肾病大鼠肾功能,缓解肾损伤,与抑制NLRP3-(Caspase-l)/IL-l信号通路相关.     

匹多莫德对实验性免疫球蛋白A肾病大鼠肾功能及炎症反应的影响

目的:探讨匹多莫德对IgA肾病(IgAN)模型大鼠肾功能的影响,并进一步研究该作用是否与其对炎症反应的抑制相关。方法:36只SD大鼠分别分为对照组、IgAN模型组、IgAN模型+匹多莫德治疗组和IgAN模型+强的松治疗组,每组9只大鼠。采用连续口服牛丙种球蛋白(BGG)8周后尾静脉注射BGG 3 d的方法制作IgAN大鼠模型。在IgAN模型成功后,连续用药4周。治疗结束后,利用自动分析仪检测尿蛋白、血清肌酐和血尿素氮含量,通过免疫荧光法观察IgA在肾组织内的沉积,用RT-qPCR法检测肾组织中肾纤维化标志物转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)和纤连蛋白1(fibronectin 1)的mRNA表达水平,RT-qPCR和Western blot法检测肾组织中促炎细胞因子白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)和IL-6的表达。结果:各组大鼠的体重并没有明显差异。在IgAN模型大鼠中,尿蛋白、血清肌酐和血尿素氮均显著增加(P0.01)。匹多莫德治疗可部分逆转以上生化指标的升高,减少IgA在肾组织内的沉积,抑制肾组织中肾纤维化标志物TGF-β1和fibronectin 1的mRNA表达水平,抑制肾组织中炎性细胞因子IL-1β和IL-6 mRNA和蛋白表达。结论:匹多莫德可能通过抑制炎症反应减轻IgAN大鼠的病理进程。     

IgA肾病患者血清Klotho水平与氧化应激及肾功能指标的相关性北大核心CSCD

目的:探讨外周血清Klotho在IgA肾病患者中的表达意义及其与氧化应激水平及肾功能指标的相关性。方法:收集86例IgA肾病患者(IgAN组)和77例健康体检者(对照组)作为研究对象,并将IgAN组分为轻度(n=36)、中度(n=32)和重度亚组(n=18),比较不同组间外周血清Klotho和氧化应激指标超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)以及肾功能指标血清肌酐(Scr)、尿素氮(BUN)水平、24 h尿蛋白、肾小球滤过率(eGFR)差异;分析IgAN患者中Klotho与氧化应激、肾功能指标的相关性;采用ROC曲线分析Klotho对IgAN的诊断性能。结果:IgAN组Klotho水平明显低于对照组(P<0.05);重度组和中度组Klotho水平显著低于轻度组,且重度组低于中度组(P<0.05)。IgAN患者Klotho与SOD、eGFR水平呈正相关,与MDA、Scr、BUN和24 h尿蛋白水平呈负相关(P<0.05);Klotho诊断IgAN的ROC曲线下面积为0.975,诊断临界值为103.27 U/L;鉴别诊断轻、中度和中、重度IgAN的曲线下面积分别为0.735、0.858,诊断临界值分别为97.01 U/L和85.81 U/L。结论:IgAN患者血清Klotho水平随着病情加重而降低,且与氧化应激水平及肾功能指标均有明显相关性,对IgAN的诊断具有一定价值。     

Schizophrenia in a North Swedish geographical isolate, 1900–1977. Epidemiology, genetics and biochemistry

Over 200 schizophrenic patients belonging to three major and interrelated pedigree complexes have been investigated over the past 30 years in a North Swedish geographically isolated population, presently numbering about 6,000. An intensive investigation of a number of biochemical correlates and genetic markers in a few selected families belonging to one of the major pedigrees has indicated new strategies for the current research program.
Schizophrenia, as defined operationally, is significantly associated with decreased activities of two enzymes (1) blood platelet monoamine oxidase, (2) plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and (3) with the genetic marker Gc² (group specific antigen). Both enzymes are subject to genetic variation. A positive score for linkage between schizophrenia and low plasma DBH activity has been calculated, but, so far, available data are insufficient for discrimination between linkage and partial contribution of genetically controlled low plasma DBH to the pathogenesis of the disease. Alternatively, both mechanisms could be involved.
As a model for continued research, schizophrenia is explained as based on a double dominant-recessive genotype (Aabb), representing a vulnerability which in about 50 % of cases develops into clinical schizophrenia. It is suggested that the dominant mutation (A) operates on or affects MAO activity, and that the recessive genotype (bb) is instrumental in low variates of DBH activity and very likely such variates within the normal range of physiological variation. Moreover, it is suggested that the combined effects of MAO- and DBH-reduced efficiency on the metabolism of e.g. dopamine could be an essential pathogenic mechanism for the schizophrenic illness which is segregating in this population.     

The universal muscular chain reaction,muscle spasm,Torsions, ruptures and extravasations. Chameleons of pathology and some manifestations of simple muscular disorders

Most bodily functions require the coordinated actions of complementary and supplementary paired muscle groups. Where this essential muscular cooperation is lacking, hollow organs may burst and others become literally screwed up, giving rise to many similar spastic diseases such as Torticollis, Twisted ovarian cyst, Torsion of the Testis, Volvulus of the intestines, Varicose Veins, Megacolon, Aortamegaly, Scoliosis, Erb's Palsy, Peyronie's Disease, Main-en-Griffe, Undescended Foot (Pes Cavus), Talipes, Strabismus. Spasm is “panenepidemic” and unclassified examples of Torsion Dystonia and Dyskinesia really are as common as debt and taxes.     

The dominant diseases of modernized societies as omega-3 essential fatty acid deficiency syndrome: Substrate beriberi

About 1900, modern food selection and processing caused widespread $\text{epidemics}$ of the B vitamin deficiency diseases of beriberi and pellagra which, for genetic reasons, often expressed as different diseases ranging from bowel and heart disease to dermatoses and psychoses. But the B vitamins merely help convert essential fatty acids (EFA) into the prostaglandin (PG) tissue regulators and it now turns out that, through hydrogenation, milling and selection of w3-poor southern foods, we have also been systematically depleting, by as much as 90%, a newly discovered trace Nordic EFA (w3) of special importance to primates and sole precursor of the PG3(4) series, even as a concurrent fiber deficiency increases body demand for EFA. Since substrate EFA is processed by many B vitamin catalysts, an EFA deficiency will mimic a $\text{panh}$ypovitaminosis B, i.e., a mixture of $\text{substrate}$ beriberi and $\text{substrate}$ pellagra resembling vitamin beriberi and pellagra but exhibiting as even more diverse $\text{endemic}$ disease. This would consitute a second stage of the Modern Malnutrition and explain why some workers now hold the dominant diseases of modermized societies to be new, nutritionally based, pellagraform yet lipid-related and to range, once again, from heart disease to psychosis. It is an assumption that our dominant diseases are unrelated to each other or are merely revealed by our diagnostic acumen and therapeutic success; and that hydrogenating millions of tons of food oils annually, to destroy the rancidity producing w3-EFA, is safe for $\text{primates}$. Extensive beriberiform disease is reported here in 32 typical cases taken from medical practice which responds strikingly to linseed oil supplements (60% w3-EFA) in confirmation of identical results in Capuchins.     

Hypo- und Hypermagnesämie aus kardiologischer Sicht

Zusammenfassung Eine Reihe pathologischer Zustände bedingen Magnesiummangel. Zustände mit Hypermagnesämie sind ebenfalls bekannt, doch wesentlich seltener. Für den Kardiologen beachtenswert ist, daß unter Therapie mit bestimmten Diuretica bei Herzinsuffizienz, bei Herzinfarkt, Kardiomyopathie, Digitalisintoxikation und bestimmten Herzrhythmusstörungen Hypomagnesämie beobachtet wurde. Leider kann in der klinischen Routine nur ein extracelluläres Magnesiumdefizit durch Serumbestimmungen gemessen werden; über Magnesiummangel einzelner Organe kann nichts ausgesagt werden. Hinweise für Magnesiummangel geben aber neben der Messung des Serumspiegels Anamnese, klinischer Befund, bestimmte EKG-Veränderungen wie auch evtl. Hypokalämie, ein Zustand, bei dem sich oft — besonders bei Aldosteronismus — parallele Veränderungen zeigten.Tierexperimente deuten darauf hin, daß infarktähnliche Läsionen unter Magnesiummangel entstehen, doch ob Herzinfarkt beim Menschen durch Magnesiummangel ausgelöst werden kann, ist noch ungeklärt. In Leichenherzen zeigte sich im Infarktgebiet neben Calciumakkumulation signifikanter Magnesiumverlust, wobei unklar blieb, ob sich Ursache oder Folge des Infarktes widerspiegelten. Falls ein ursächlicher Zusammenhang besteht, ist er im Myokardstoffwechsel selbst zu suchen, wie bei der Alkoholkardiomyopathie, wo myokardialer Magnesiummangel zumindest als pathogenetischer Teilfaktor anerkannt wird. Andererseits versucht man aber auch Beziehungen zwischen Atherosklerose, Blutgerinnung und Hypomagnesämie herzustellen, in der Meinung, daß Magnesiummangel auch über den coronaren Pathomechanismus des Herzinfarktes wirken könnte. Sicher scheint, daß gewisse EKG-Veränderungen und Herzrhythmusstörungen durch einen irritierten Magnesiumhaushalt bedingt sein können, da sie bei Gabe bzw. Entzug von Magnesium verschwinden. Daß Magnesiummangel die Glykosidtoleranz verringert, wird tierexperimentell bestätigt. Unter Hypomagnesämie bewirkt Acetylstrophanthidin eher und länger Rhythmusstörungen als ohne, außerdem lassen diese sich durch Magnesiumgaben eliminieren. Da in gewissen Fällen spontane und digitalisinduzierte Herzrythmusstörungen durch Magnesiuminjektionen beseitigt wurden, scheint Magnesium als Therapeuticum angebracht. Einsatz verschiedener Magnesiumsalze bei Angina pectoris, degenerativen Herzerkrankungen und Herzinsuffizienz ohne geprüften und offensichtlich gestörten Magnesiumhaushalt ist fragwürdig, weil keine eindeutigen klinischen Erfolgsbeweise vorliegen. Immerhin mag es aber larvierte, durch Serumbestimmungen nicht erfaßbare Mangelzustände geben. Allgemein erscheint es aus kardiologischer Sicht ratsam, den Magnesiumhaushalt zu überwachen und in entsprechenden Fällen auszugleichen, um möglichen Myokardläsionen oder fatalen Herzrhythmusstörungen entgegenzuwirken.     

Environmental risk factors and their role in the management of atopic dermatitis

Introduction: The etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is multifactorial with interaction between genetics, immune and environmental factors.

Areas covered: We review the role of prenatal exposures, irritants and pruritogens, pathogens, climate factors, including temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, outdoor and indoor air pollutants, tobacco smoke exposure, water hardness, urban vs. rural living, diet, breastfeeding, probiotics and prebiotics on AD.

Expert commentary: The increased global prevalence of AD cannot be attributed to genetics alone, suggesting that evolving environmental exposures may trigger and/or flare disease in predisposed individuals. There is a complex interplay between different environmental factors, including individual use of personal care products and exposure to climate, pollution, food and other exogenous factors. Understanding these complex risk factors is crucial to developing targeted interventions to prevent the disease in millions. Moreover, patients require counseling on optimal regimens for minimization of exposure to irritants and pruritogens and other harmful exposures.     

'Very sore nights and days': the child's experience of illness in early modern England, c.1580-1720

Sick children were ubiquitous in early modern England, and yet they have received very little attention from historians. Taking the elusive perspective of the child, this article explores the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of illness in England between approximately 1580 and 1720. What was it like being ill and suffering pain? How did the young respond emotionally to the anticipation of death? It is argued that children’s experiences were characterised by profound ambivalence: illness could be terrifying and distressing, but also a source of emotional and spiritual fulfilment and joy. This interpretation challenges the common assumption amongst medical historians that the experiences of early modern patients were utterly miserable. It also sheds light on children’s emotional feelings for their parents, a subject often overlooked in the historiography of childhood. The primary sources used in this article include diaries, autobiographies, letters, the biographies of pious children, printed possession cases, doctors’ casebooks, and theological treatises concerning the afterlife.     

Guidelines for the Validation and Use of Immunoassays for Determination of Introduced Proteins in Biotechnology Enhanced Crops and Derived Food Ingredients

Recent advancements in agricultural biotechnology have created a need for analytical techniques to determine introduced proteins in crops enhanced through modern biotechnology techniques. These proteins are expressed in plant tissues and may be present in food ingredients. Immunoassays are ideally suited for protein detection and may be used as both quantitative and threshold methods. Microplate ELISA and lateral flow devices are two of the most commonly used immunoassay formats for agricultural biotechnology applications. This paper provides general background information and a discussion of criteria for the validation and application of immunochemical methods to the analysis of proteins introduced into plants and food ingredients using biotechnology methods. It is the result of a collaborative effort of members of the Analytical Environmental Immunochemical Consortium. This collaborative effort represents the combined expertise of several organizations to reach consensus on establishing guidelines for the validation and use of immunoassays. Further, the paper offers developers and users a consistent approach to adopting the technology as well as aid in producing accurate and meaningful results.     

HLA genes in Amerindians from Mexico San Vicente Tancuayalab Teenek/Huastecos

Huastecos or Teenek Amerindians are presently living at North East Mexico (San Luis Potosi State). They have probably one of the most ancient culture of Mexico and Central America together with Mayas and Olmec groups with which also show close relationships. Proximity to Atlantic Ocean/Mexican Gulf originated that Spaniards had very early contact with them at about 1519 CE or before. In the present paper we have aimed to study HLA gene profile which may be useful for HLA and disease epidemiology and transplant programs in Teeneks. HLA-DRB1*04:07, -DRB1*14:06 and -DRB1*04:11 have been found in high frequency like in other Amerindian groups. High frequency typical Amerindians HLA extended haplotypes have been found, such as A*02-B*35-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02; A*68-B*39-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02 and A*02-B*39-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02; also new haplotypes have been described, like A*02-B*52-DRB1*04:11-DQB1*03:02, A*68-B*35-DRB1*14:02-DQB1*03:01 and A*68-B*40-DRB1*16:02-DQB1*03:01. Genetic proximity is observed not only to linguistically close Mayans, but also to Mazatecans, Mixtecans and Zapotecans, who speak an altogether different languages; it shows once more that genes and languages do not correlate. This population was greatly diminished after European contact between 1500 and 1600 years CE; in fact, North and South America First Inhabitants population was brought from 80 down to 8 million people because of diseases (i.e.: measles, smallpox or influenza), slavery and war.     

Ultracryotomy: development and application (with examples from the yeast cytology) (author's transl)

The preparation steps usually necessary for obtaining ultrathin frozen sections of biological material (chemical prefixation, enclosing, cryoprotective treatment, freezing, sectioning, and post-staining the sections for transmission electron microscopy) are submitted to a critical analysis. The application of cryo-ultramicrotomy, in particularly for cytochemical purposes, is reviewed. Fundamental considerations of chemical prefixation and poststaining are supported by examples from yeast cytology. Furthermore, the efficiency of the cryo-ultramicrotomy (electron optical resolution of ultrastructural details) is demonstrated on yeast cells and protoplasts.